The Trump administration is seriously considering a major new initiative to privatize much of the space sector, promote a return to the moon by 2020, and aim for Mars and other Solar System targets soon thereafter. This, according to Politico.coms Bryan Bender, citing Trump administration internal documents obtained by Politico.
The central aim of the administrations new policy under consideration will be the large-scale economic development of space, and it will entail such revolutionary moves as fully privatizing lower-earth orbit, allowing for the mass deployment of private space stations, and freeing up NASA to return to cutting-edge research in new realms like manned exploration of interplanetary space.
As with all else that President Trump has tried to do, however, this new initiative is already meeting institutional resistance, particularly among the proponents of what Trump administration insiders are terming Old Space": mammoth corporations such as Boeing and Lockheed-Martin that have always enjoyed preferential access to space-related R&D grants and government contracts. Against them are arrayed the force of New Space": hungry young tech entrepreneurs such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, whose respective space companies, Blue Origin and SpaceX, have made stunning advances in space technology, including the coveted ability to fly craft into space and return them or stages of them back to Earth for reuse, a technology NASA never managed to develop. The Old Space concerns and their Capitol Hill supporters congressmen such as Senators Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who bitterly opposed the entry of upstart SpaceX into the exclusive club of space corporations allowed to do business with NASA are likely to resist change of this sort, since it may entail the loss of jobs among Old Space mega-employers in their home states.
The hard truth (hard, at least, for those whose guiding presumption is government infallibility as against private-sector unreliability) is that NASA has underachieved spectacularly in the area of manned space exploration since the glory days of the Apollo program. The space shuttle was a spectacular achievement, but ran hugely over cost and dominated NASAs budgetary priorities for three decades. Moreover, two space shuttles were lost, with significant losses in human life. Because of cost issues, the space shuttle was mothballed in 2011. But the result is that the United States no longer has the ability to put a human being into orbit. Only Russia and China currently have that capability, and the United States must rely on the former to keep the International Space Station staffed.
While their unmanned exploration of Mars, Saturn, Pluto, the dwarf planet Ceres, the asteroid Vesta, and many other objects in the Solar System has yielded a bounteous harvest for planetary scientists, and their array of space-based observatories such as the Hubble Space Telescope, the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory have revolutionized humanitys understanding of the universe, NASA has been perennially a day late and a dollar short in moving space technology forward from the 1970s.
In effect, NASA and its Old Space corporate allies are seen as too risk-averse, too prone to analysis paralysis to take space exploration and commercialization. Former Congressman and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who has been involved in some of the Trump administrations discussions on the new space initiative, summed up the issue admirably in a recent interview:
A good part of the Trump Administration would like a lot more risk-taking, competitive, aggressive, entrepreneurial approach to space. A smaller but still powerful faction represents Boeing and the expensive old contractors who have soaked up money with minimum results.
No NASA program dominated by bureaucrats could take the risks, accept the failures, and create a learning curve comparable to an entrepreneurial approach. Just think of the Wright Brothers 500 failures in five summers at $1 per failure. Ask how long NASA would have taken and how much it would have cost.
Notes Politico, The more ambitious administration vision could include new moon landings that see private American astronauts, on private space ships, circling the moon by 2020; and private lunar landers staking out de facto property rights for America on the moon, by 2020 as well, according to a summary of an agency action plan that the transition drew up for NASA late last month.
Elsewhere, the summary contemplates a total privatization of lower Earth orbit, including the International Space Station, a seamless low-risk transition from government-owned and operated stations to privately-owned and operated stations. Military assets would be excluded, naturally, but the Trump plan implies a low-orbit outer space that is almost entirely privatized, full of space stations for research, tourism, and transit to other destinations such as the moon the stuff of science fiction, that President Trump appears to believe can be accomplished only by unleashing the power of private enterprise.
We agree, of course, but the course is far from decided. Expect the old guard of Old Space and its congressional paladins to put up a fight, more concerned, as special interests inevitably are, with preserving status quo revenue streams than embracing the greater good. But if the Trump administration is able to win over NASA and enough political support on Capitol Hill, outer space in the near future may become a very busy place indeed.
View original post here:
Trump's Vision of Space Exploration - The New American
- Space | National Archives [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2017]
- 50 Years of Presidential Visions for Space Exploration [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2017]
- New 'Life' Trailer Brings Terrifying Thrills from Mars (Exclusive) - Space.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Obama gutted NASA. Here are 3 ways Trump can make space ... - Conservative Review [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dassault Systemes sets eyes on space exploration, faster transport - Economic Times [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Cassini Captures Stunning View of Enceladus | Space Exploration ... - Sci-News.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Space Exploration: Astronauts' Brains Are Changed By Spaceflight, MRI-Based Study Reveals - International Business Times [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- TeamIndus launches Moonshot Wheels to inspire Indian rural students about Space Exploration - International Business Times, India Edition [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Belarus invites Iran to cooperate in pharmaceutical industry, space exploration - Belarus News (BelTA) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Cabinet briefed on India-Vietnam Framework Agreement on outer space exploration - Daily News & Analysis [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Legislation Would Require Strategic Plan for NASA Human Spaceflight - Space.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- New NASA Leadership Inherits Rejuvenated Space Exploration Program - eNews Park Forest [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Outgoing NASA Team Leaves Its Successors With Robust Options for Space Exploration - Center For American Progress [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Space exploration brought to life for pupils - Norfolk Eastern Daily Press [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Mechs and greater space exploration are on the way in Starbound's ... - PCGamesN [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- As US, Russia eye stagnant space budgets, India ramps up investment - Ars Technica [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Nuclear Reactors to Power Space Exploration - R & D Magazine [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- NASA spends $2mn on 'advanced life support tech' for deep space travel - RT [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Space Exploration: Could A Habitable Planet Feature A Habitable Moon? - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Turkmenistan Aims High as It Pledges Space Exploration - EurasiaNet [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Republicans Aim to Prioritize NASA Space Exploration Efforts Over Environmental Research - Independent Journal Review [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- One huge step: Trump's plans to privatize 'low Earth orbit' and send NASA into deep space - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- How reusable rockets are paving the way for the next phase of space exploration - Mirror.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- NASA Funds 2 New Research Institutes to Help Humanity Explore Deep Space - Space.com [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Space Startups Are Booming in the Mojave Desert - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Sen. Nelson Talks Space Exploration At Florida A&M University ... - WFSU [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- DELINGPOLE: NASA to Stop Shilling for Big Green, Restart Exploring Space - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Nuclear reactors to power space exploration - Los Alamos Monitor [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Space exploration programs must continue - The Eagle [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Editorial: Exploration can help us understand this planet - Loveland Reporter-Herald [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- NASA selects new technologies for flight tests for future space exploration - Space Daily [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Why Does NASA Suddenly Want Humans On New Spacecraft's First Flight? - Vocativ [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- NASA seeks university-level solutions for deep space human exploration challenges - Pulse Headlines [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Should Humans Leave Space Exploration To Robots? - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Space Exploration - WGN Radio [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- EDITORIAL: Jumping at space travel - Indiana Daily Student [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2017]
- Why the 'ultimate wearables' lie in the future of space exploration - Wareable [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- How to improve SA's space program - News24 [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Darlington power plant helps fuel NASA's space exploration - CTV News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Donald Trump Will Call For a Return of Human Space Exploration - Inverse [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- What Donald Trump Said About Space Travel During His Speech - Heavy.com [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Trump's call for human space exploration is hugely wasteful and pointless - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- What is the fascination with space exploration? - Grand Valley Lanthorn [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Teachers attend space exploration conference, bring back lessons out of this world - Arlington Times [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Reader applauds space exploration pioneers - Fairfaxtimes.com [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Jeff Bezos Expected to Unveil Further Plans for Private Space Exploration - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- Your Cheat-Sheet Guide to the New Space Race - Slate Magazine [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- Amazon chief to announce new space exploration plans - RT [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- Amazon Chief Bezos Expected to Unveil Further Private Space Exploration Plans - Fox Business [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- If India or China Beats the US to Mars, It Will Feel Like a Military Defeat - Slate Magazine [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- When We Explore Space, We Go Together - Slate Magazine [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- How Barack Obama ruined NASA space exploration - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- Future Tense Newsletter: Space Exploration Isn't Just About Scientific Discovery - Slate Magazine (blog) [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- NASA Funds 133 Projects to Aid Deep Space Exploration - PC Magazine [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- A Trinity professor will play a big role in space exploration - thejournal.ie [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Congress Passes Space Exploration Act, Targets Mars - America Now [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Russia Aims to Develop New Cooperation in Space Exploration - Sputnik International [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- NASA Announces 2017 'Chroniclers,' Recognizing Those Who ... - SpaceCoastDaily.com [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- The Pros And Cons Of Privatizing Space Exploration - Forbes [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Space Exploration Experts Look to Next Frontiers at Event - UMass Lowell [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- CNSA boss outlines China's space exploration agenda - SpaceNews - SpaceNews [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- These Are the Wildly Advanced Space Exploration Concepts Being ... - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- A Brief History of Space Exploration - The Aerospace Corporation [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Americans Like Spending Money on Space Exploration, Survey Finds - Inverse [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Launch of India's biggest rocket is a defining moment in space exploration - DailyO [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Space Matter: The Trouble with Spacesuits :: Science :: Features ... - Paste Magazine [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- China willing to cooperate in peaceful space exploration: Xi - Space Daily [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Pence reiterates plans to reestablish the National Space Council - SpaceNews [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Space Exploration: Can Private Companies Operate in Space? - Law Street Media (blog) [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Space Exploration Game 'Outreach' Receives First Gameplay Trailer ... - Hardcore Gamer [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Will Space Exploration lead us to a Global Space Agency - Space Daily [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- The Origami of Space Exploration - Scientific American (blog) [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Ocean vs Space: Exploration and the Quest to Inspire the Public - Marine Technology News [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- A 3D-printed rocket engine just launched a new era of space exploration - The Independent [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- Belarus' drive for peaceful space exploration underlined - Belarus News (BelTA) [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- Here's why you should pay close attention to India's space program - Mashable [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- China to provide more opportunities to private companies for space exploration - Space Daily [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- Space exploration: The solutions to land scarcity - Real Estate Weekly [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2017]
- What China's space ambitions have to do with politics - Space Daily [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]